River Plate’s bold bid for megastar rejected | OneFootball

As speculation surrounded Cristiano Ronaldo's future with Al-Nassr, news has emerged that River Plate, one of Argentina’s most storied clubs, made a surprise bid to lure the Portuguese striker ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. According to reports in Argentine outlet Olé and confirmed by sources in France, River Plate attempted to capitalize on the brief transfer window in early June, when teams qualified for the Club World Cup were permitted exceptional signings.

Ronaldo, who recently completed another prolific season in Saudi Arabia with 25 goals from 30 league appearances, was seen as a high-impact addition for River Plate’s Club World Cup ambitions. The club’s pursuit of Ronaldo reportedly involved direct contact through Marcelo Gallardo, River Plate’s head coach, who developed a professional rapport with the player during his own managerial stint at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

River Plate supporters quickly latched onto the swirling rumors, even circulating social media images of Ronaldo in the club’s iconic kit—a throwback snap from 2014—as they stoked hopes of seeing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in Buenos Aires.

Despite the intriguing approach, Ronaldo has decided against making a move. In a recent press conference, he addressed speculation about his next steps: “You can't do everything. You have to think in the short, medium, and long term. I have decided not to participate in the Club World Cup,” Ronaldo confirmed following Portugal’s Nations League win over Germany. Indications are that he now has an agreement in place to extend his stay with Al-Nassr.

River Plate was not alone in exploring Ronaldo’s availability. Several other Club World Cup entrants, aware that the veteran's initial Al-Nassr contract concluded at June’s end and that there was no official extension as of early June, reportedly explored similar moves. Fluminense of Brazil also made overtures, but were firmly turned down, the player's agent stating unequivocally that Ronaldo had no interest in South American football at this stage.

Through all the speculation, Ronaldo’s on-field consistency in Saudi Arabia has ensured continued interest from major clubs worldwide, both for his sporting value and global profile. However, with his public statement and apparent new deal in place, any prospect of seeing Ronaldo line up for River Plate, or any other Club World Cup hopeful outside Al-Nassr, has vanished for the time being.

Source: 90min